Hey everyone,
This afternoon i'm going to look at a 94 LX, one owner, and hoping to come home with my first car. i've always loved civics, and i've been looking for the right car for way too long.
The issue is, this guy says that the timing belt and water pump have been replaced, but he's selling it for a friend of his who stoped driving the car almost two years ago and doesnt have any reciepts. The car currently has 125k on it and he says it was probably done around 110k.
So i want to know, should i buy? The car's priced at 2400, super clean carfax, no radio no antenna.
Things i'm wondering are, if i were to bring it to my local repair shop, how much would they charge me to go in and check the belt out. And since i figure getting at the belt is the leg work, i should probably have it replaced once they get in there. So the big question here is, how much to replace the timing belt???
i know this is kind of a strange post loaded with if's and but's, but i would really appreciate some wisdom. Thanks

 

Average rate would be $250 - $300, that's tb, water pump, tensioner, and may include drive belts.

 

You can pull off the valve cover, and then the cam gear cover (on the right side of the motor when standing in front) and look at the belt yourself. Of course, any cracking or fraying would need to be handled immediately. However, the belt may look fine one day, break the next. bye bye motor.

I would suggest to replace it if possible along with the water pump and tensioner.

 

If you still see little mold ridges on the sides of the teeth, the belt is relatively new. Also if it doesn't say Honda on it, it's not the one that came with the car. You would need to turn the engine (turn crankshaft counterclockwise) by hand until the label on the belt comes around.